Ready to launch your career as a Professional Medical Coder? Now is the perfect time! With a projected 15,000 job openings per year until 2033, Professional Coders are in high demand.
In order to start your career as a Professional Coder in a medical setting, you’ll need to pass the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam.
Be forewarned—the exam will require significant preparation and studying to pass on the first try. This list of Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam study guides will help you ace the test.
What is the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam?
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam is a standardized test that assesses the knowledge and skills of those aspiring to become a medical coding or billing professional. This certification validates your skillset and is required by healthcare offices for employment.
Professional Medical Coders read medical charts and assign correct diagnosis and procedure codes for clinical cases and services. They’re qualified for roles in clinics, ambulatory facilities and other healthcare settings.
3 Best Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam Study Guides
The best way to prepare to pass the CPC Exam is to take your studies seriously. But not all study materials are created with the rigor and expertise you need to pass. So before you invest time and money into prep materials, check the integrity of the study guides you’re using.
These study guides are chock-full of materials that will help you ace the CPC examination.
#1: AAPC’s Official Guide | $145.95
AAPC’s official CPC Exam study guide includes 20 thorough review chapters. Core topics like anatomy, medical terminology, medical technology and coding essentials are all covered in this study guide.
What’s Inside
The study guide is written by the same group that designed the CPC exam, so it covers all the juicy topics you need to succeed, including:
- Anatomy and Medical Terminology Review
- Practical Examples
- Testing Techniques for CPC Exam
- Questions Designed to Simulate the CPC Certification Exam
- 10 Review Questions on Coding Concepts
- 200+ Test Your Knowledge Questions with Answers and Rationales
- Online Practice Exams
Who Makes It
This study guide is produced by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)—the same task force that created the CPC Exam. AAPC is the largest education and credentialing organization for medical coders, billers, auditors and managers.
User Review
“This helps a lot for studying for the test.” –Shannon, Amazon Reviewer
#2: 2024-2025 CPC Study Guide Book | $25.99
This CPC exam study guide is created by Newstone Test Prep and includes 500 review questions and 5 full-length exams.
What’s Inside
The study guide includes:
- 21 Chapters on Key Medical Terms, Scenarios and Anatomy
- 500+ Review Questions
- Answers and Explanations
- 5 Full-Length Practice Exams
Who Makes It
Newstone Test Prep is a leading publisher of study guides tailored for students across multiple countries, such as the US, Canada and the UK. Their team of researchers diligently craft authentic test questions that closely mirror those found in real exams.
User Review
“I had procrastinated a lot when it came to studying for my exam. I had months to study for it when I realized it was very soon, I quickly did some research and came across this study guide. I have been able to test myself and have been scoring higher each time. I have recommended this to my peers.”
–Carrie Gilchrist, Amazon Reviewer
#3: Mometrix Practice Test and Study Guide | $40.00
This comprehensive study guide was written by exam researchers to help you pass the CPC exam.
What’s Inside
The ebook includes:
- Chapters on Key Medical Terms, Scenarios and Anatomy
- Review Questions
- Practice Tests
- Answers and Explanations
- Test-Taking Tips and Strategies Specific to the CPC Exam
Who Makes It
Mometrix has the largest catalog of any test preparation publisher with over 3,500 products covering 1,500 different exams. Founded in 2002, they aim to empower all people to ace any exam and further their careers.
User Review
“Just dropping you a note to let you know that I am completely satisfied with the product. I had already taken the test once and landed in the 75 percentile of those taking it with me. I took the test a second time and used some of your tips and raised my score to the 97 percentile. Thanks for my much-improved score.” -Denise W
Comprehensive Online Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam Prep Program | $3,500
MedCerts offers an online Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification prep program that is heads and shoulders above traditional study methods.
This 22-week program is designed to teach all the skills necessary to excel in a medical coder position and to pass the CPC exam. By the end of this extensive program, you will be well-equipped to start a career in the professional medical coder world.
The MedCerts CPC Certification program is designed to include both theory and practical skills so that all students are fully prepared for success in the fast-paced world of medical coding.
MedCerts’ CPC program stands out because it provides students with hands-on experiences with the software and coding programs. The program covers the following:
- Medical Coding: Review patient records and assign codes for each diagnosis and procedure.
- Coding Systems: Learn in-depth knowledge of the CPT coding system and ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II coding systems.
- Physician Procedure Coding: Become an expert at assigning accurate medical codes for professional (physician) procedures, services and diagnoses.
- Medical Coding Regulations: Internalize the medical coding guidelines, regulations and compliance rules.
This program is aligned with the American Academy of Professional Coders (AACP) and will prepare students thoroughly for their CPC exam.
What’s Included
MedCerts provides unparalleled next-level learning for all students so that everyone can thrive in the professional coder world. The flexibility of online learning allows you to study at your own pace without compromising your access to the best advisors and one-on-one coaching.
The program includes:
- Expert-Led Video-Based Training
- CPC Text and Coding Resource Textbooks
- Competency Assessments
- Career Coaching
- Student Support Advisor
- Exam Fees, Books and Materials Covered in Tuition Cost
- Flexible Payment Options
Flexibility and Support in Your Learning
MedCerts’ self-paced learning model puts you in control of your education, letting you study on your own schedule. You’ll be paired with personal advisors who support you every step of the way.
If you need personalized help, expert guidance is always a message away. Your advisor is an industry professional dedicated to your success with one-on-one support and encouragement whenever you need it.
Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CPC exam hard to pass?
The CPC exam can be challenging, as it requires a deep understanding of medical coding guidelines and the ability to apply them in real-world scenarios. However, with the assistance of a prep program, many candidates are able to pass successfully.
Is it worth getting your CPC certification?
Yes, certified coders are often in higher demand and may command higher salaries than non-certified professionals. Professional coding jobs are expected to grow 9% by the year 2033.
Can you take the CPC exam without going to school?
Yes, you can take the CPC exam without formal schooling. However, it is recommended to take a preparation program, like the MedCerts Medical Coding and Medical Billing Professional Program, to obtain the certifications.
Can you take the CPC exam at home?
Yes, the CPC exam can be taken at home via an online proctored format. This option allows candidates to take the exam in a more flexible environment, though it requires a stable internet connection, a quiet space and compliance with specific proctoring guidelines.
How many questions are on the CPC certification exam?
The CPC certification exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 4 hours. These questions cover a rane of topics, including CPT®, ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II coding, as well as coding guidelines, anatomy and medical terminology. A passing score is 70%.
Set Yourself Up for Success with the Online Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Certification Program
Achieve your career goals and pass the CPC exam with MedCerts’ online certification program. Their flexible and comprehensive program equips you with the coding skills, knowledge and support needed to excel in the healthcare industry.Enroll today in the Online Certified Professional Coder Certification Program and take the first step toward becoming a nationally recognized coding expert. Your future starts here!
